Deaflympics: International Games for the Deaf

Updated/Revised Date: 2022-04-10
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Additional References: Deaflympics Publications

Synopsis: Information on the Deaflympics, the International Games competition for the Deaf sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. Unlike other games for athletes with disabilities, which are all directed by non-disabled officials, the Deaflympics are run by deaf people for deaf athletes. To qualify for the games, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their "better ear". Hearing aids, cochlear implants and the like are not allowed to be used in competition, to place all athletes on the same level.

Main Document

What are the Deaflympics?

The Deaflympics (previously called World Games for the Deaf, and International Games for the Deaf) are an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. However, unlike the athletes in other IOC-sanctioned events (i.e., the Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Special Olympics), the Deaflympians cannot be guided by sounds (i.e., the starter's guns, bullhorn commands or referee whistles). The games have been organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds (CISS, "The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf") since the first event.

The Deaflympics are held every 4 years. To date, the Deaflympics have been hosted by 36 cities in 21 countries, but by cities outside Europe on only five occasions (Washington D.C. 1965, Los Angeles 1985, Christchurch 1989, Melbourne 2005 and Taipei 2009). The last summer games were held in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013, and the next scheduled winter games will be in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia in 2015.

Formal international competition in deaf sport began with the 1924 Paris Silent Games, organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf). These games evolved into the modern Deaflympics, governed by the CISS. The CISS maintains separate games for deaf athletes based on their numbers, their special communication needs on the sports field, and the social interaction that is a vital part of sports.

Deaflympics Logo

The games are built on 80 years of tradition. Organized since 1924 by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf), the first Summer Deaflympics were held in Paris. Winter Deaflympics were added in 1949. The Summer and Winter Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, IOC.

To qualify for the games, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their "better ear". Hearing aids, cochlear implants and the like are not allowed to be used in competition, to place all athletes on the same level.

During the countdown for the 2009 Taipei event, Jackie Chan, (actor), sung the 2009 Deaflympics theme song "Power in Me" and told the crowd about an accident in Yugoslavia which left him with decreased hearing in one ear. He encouraged everyone to keep trying their best and never to give up to succeed.

Subtopics and Associated Subjects

Latest Deaflympics Publications
	Deaflympics 2013 - UK Deaf Sport Calls for Support UKDS endeavors to highlight the courageous efforts of the athletes as they prepare to represent the GB on the international stage. Author: UK Deaf Sport Publish Date: 2013-07-16 - Updated: 2014-03-14
	2013 Deaflympics: Sofia, Bulgaria 26 July to 4 August The 2013 Summer Deaflympics will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria 26 July to 4 August. Author: Disabled World Publish Date: 2013-05-31 - Updated: 2013-07-13
	Athens Deaflympics 2013 - Lack of Support Greek government has formally confirmed that it will not provide financial support for 2013 Deaflympics games. Author: International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Publish Date: 2011-07-07 - Updated: 2020-11-06
	Deaflympics - ICSD Update Status of arrangements for forthcoming Deaflympics from ICSD The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. Author: International Committee of Sports for the Deaf Publish Date: 2011-05-18 - Updated: 2014-03-14
Additional Pain: Acute and Chronic Publications

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